Didn't think there were rules governing this delicious low-brow staple? Bone up on the dos and don'ts below before we see
you at Woodycrest.
Dos and Don'ts: Everyday guidance for eating America's sacred food
Don't...
put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always "dress the dog," not the bun.
Condiments should be applied in the following order: wet condiments like mustard and chili are applied first, followed by
chunky condiments like relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices, like celery salt or
pepper.
Do...
serve sesame seed, poppy seed and plain buns with hot dogs. Sun-dried tomato buns or basil buns are considered gauche with
franks.
Don't...
use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
Do...
eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
Do...
use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Every day dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
Don't...
take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
Don't...
leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
Fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs are a major "Don't" Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.
Don't...
use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18.
Do...
Condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog should be licked away, not washed.
Do...
use multi-colored toothpicks to serve cocktail wieners. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
Don't...
send a thank you note following a hot dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
Don't...
bring wine (that includes Prosecco)to a hot dog barbecue. Beer, soda, lemonade and iced tea are preferable.
And most importantly...
Don't...
Ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs. Not even at baby showers.
